We expect a lot from our beauty products these days. High-quality ingredients, rigorous testing, formulas that fulfil their promises. More and more, consumers are also pushing for cruelty-free makeup and skincare — and it’s not hard to see why.

In fact, the question isn’t why should you choose cruelty-free makeup, but rather, why wouldn’t you?

Quick Links:
What Does ‘Cruelty-Free Makeup’ Mean?
Why is Cruelty-Free Makeup Important?
Is Cruelty-Free Makeup Vegan?
Where to Buy Cruelty-Free Makeup

What Does ‘Cruelty-Free Makeup’ Mean?

Cruelty-free makeup means that no animals are subjected to any kind of harm to make it. Simple as that.

Horrifying as it is to believe, many cosmetics brands still use cats, dogs, mice, guinea pigs, rats and other animals to test their products and ingredients before putting them on the market. In a cruel irony, these animals endure a lot of unnecessary suffering and ugly treatment — all in the name of ‘beauty’.

As one of Australia’s leading animal cruelty-free makeup brands, Innoxa leads with the philosophy of First Do No Harm, and the entire range is certified 100% cruelty-free. But what exactly does that entail?

Animal cruelty-free makeup brands like Innoxa don’t engage in any practices that involve animals in the production of their cosmetics. This means that they don’t test ingredients or finished products on animals, nor do they have a third party do it on their behalf. They also source their ingredients and formulations from other cruelty-free businesses — even as far as using synthetic fibres for brushes and tools, rather than natural animal hair.

Why is Cruelty-Free Makeup Important?

We believe that the inhumane conditions that test animals are subjected to is reason enough to turn your back on cruelty-compliant brands. However, if you’re looking for even more motivation to stock up on cruelty-free makeup, here are a few more reasons:

1. Cruelty-free products can be healthier
   Yep, that’s right — products that aren’t tested on animals can be better for your skin. Because they usually don’t contain chemicals that are known to be potentially harmful, such as parabens, synthetic dyes and sulphates, there’s less chance of inflammation, breakouts and other reactions.
   
   
2. Animal testing is completely unnecessary
   Testing is usually carried out when companies want to develop new ingredients. However, there’s a whopping 7000+ cosmetic ingredients that are already proven to be safe to use in beauty and skincare products. There are plenty of options for companies to choose from when formulating their new foundation, mascara, or lipstick — no need to get fluffy friends involved.
   
   
3. You’re promoting positive change in the beauty industry
   Where you choose to spend your money sends a clear message to the beauty industry. By refusing to open your wallet for brands that continue to test on animals, you’re showing them what is important to you and what you simply won’t stand for. The more people who choose cruelty-free makeup and skincare, the more big businesses will start to pay attention — and hopefully change their practices.
   
   
4. Cruelty-free makeup is wallet-friendly, too
   Worried it costs more to be kind? Nope! In fact, many cruelty-free brands are incredibly affordable. Check out Innoxa’s 100% cruelty-free range for feel-good beauty that won’t break the bank.
   
   
5. Animal testing is banned in some parts of the world
   India, Israel, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. All of these nations have put an end to animal testing in their countries. Other countries, including Australia, Colombia, Guatemala, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey, have all also passed laws to limit or ban these cruel practices. Doesn’t that tell you something?
   

Is Cruelty-free Makeup Vegan?

Not necessarily.

While cruelty-free means that no testing has been done on animals in the creation of a product, ‘vegan’ means the product also contains no animal products, by-products or derivatives. So, a product containing honey, beeswax or lanolin, for example, isn’t vegan, as these ingredients all come from animals. However, they could still be cruelty-free — so long as the ingredients are ethically sourced and no animals have been harmed in their production.

If you want products that are not just cruelty-free but vegan too, keep an eye on the ingredients list — or check out Innoxa’s vegan range.

Where to Buy Cruelty-Free Makeup

There are so many incredible cruelty-free makeup and skincare products available these days and they’re not hard to find. Many of the brands you’d find in your local supermarket or chemist have committed to being cruelty-free, or you can do a search online.

Just be sure the cruelty-free claims have been verified by a third party, such as PETA, Leaping Bunning or Choose Cruelty Free, which certifies Innoxa’s entire range as 100% cruelty-free.